CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.3.1

ELA3rd GradeText Types and Purposes

The Standard

Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons.

Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts · Writing Standards

Teacher's field guide

What Students Need to Do: Students state a clear opinion about a topic or text. They give relevant reasons, connect ideas with words such as because and also, and finish with a closing.
What Mastery Looks Like: A student writes a focused paragraph with a clear position and at least two relevant reasons. The ideas follow a sensible order, use linking words, and end with a closing statement.
Common Misconceptions: Students may state a fact instead of taking a position. They may repeat their opinion as a reason or include details that do not support it. Some list reasons without linking words or a closing sentence.
How to Assess It: Exit ticket: “Should recess be longer? State your opinion, give two different reasons, use one linking word, and write a closing sentence.”

Lesson moves

Give groups opinion and reason cards, then have them sort matching reasons under each opinion and build one paragraph.
Ask, “Should third graders have homework?” Students state a position, give two reasons, and respond to one classmate’s point.
Play Reason Match: students draw an opinion card and race to choose two reason cards that clearly support it.
Have students write a note to the principal proposing one playground change, with two reasons and a closing sentence.

Free download

A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.3.1, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.

PDF, US Letter, prints cleanly in black and white.

Learning progression

See the whole path on the Writing progression map.

If students are struggling here, check these first.

Mastery here sets students up for these next.

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